Jon Young

Billy Joe Shaver made a lot of records before he died in 2020, but his songwriting paid the bills. While the Texas-born maverick once joked he had a knack for putting labels out of business, a slew of other artists have been happy to enjoy the fruits of his labors

Amidst all its hardships, the pandemic has continued to inspire intriguing creative responses. Mightmare, for example, is the surprising and satisfying solo project of North Carolina’s Sarah Shook, known for fronting the stellar roots-rockin’ group The Disarmers. Conceived and executed entirely on their own (except for bass on some

Centuries from now, archaeologists will have a lot to sort through when they unearth the oeuvre of Texas-born Rhett Miller. As leader of the formidable alt-country band Old 97’s over the last three decades, he’s been at the forefront of a dozen studio albums that have helped define

Tired of feeling menaced by reality? Sick of fretting over the fate of the world? Sometimes the best antidote to the stresses of modern life is a blast of purifying electric noise. If that seems inviting, take a shot of Marcus King’s blazing Young Blood. Blending bluesy turbocharged guitar,

One highlight of The Very Best of Fantastic Cat — a debut album, not a compilation — is “Amigo,” a sweet, toe-tapping ode to friendship that proclaims, “I don’t care if we ain’t blood, oh we’re brothers, don’t you know.” Such gentle positivity would suit an uplifting kids’